Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill, Italian sausage is ready in about 15 minutes with just a few simple steps. We’ll show you exactly how to get it juicy on the inside and browned on the outside, every time.
Cooking Italian sausage is easier than it looks — you just need to know the right temperature and a little patience. In under 15 minutes, with nothing more than a skillet and water, you can have juicy, evenly browned sausage ready for pasta, sandwiches, or a simple plate with a side.
We’ll walk you through the stovetop, oven, and grill methods so you can pick whichever works for your kitchen tonight.
What is Italian Sausage?
Sweet (or mild) Italian sausage is seasoned mainly with fennel seed, giving it a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor. Hot Italian sausage has red pepper flakes added for extra heat. Either one works with the cooking methods below — just pick whichever your recipe or your family prefers.
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage Links
- Water
How to Cook Italian Sausage on the stove
Step 1 – Start with cold water, not water that’s already hot. Adding sausage to water that’s already simmering can cause the casing to split and cook unevenly — let the sausage and water heat up together.
Step 2 – Bring the water to a simmer.
Step 3 – Cover, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10-12 minutes. This will ensure that the sausage has an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Step 4 – Use a meat thermometer to ensure Italian Sausage is done.
Step 5 – Remove the lid. Continue to cook on medium high heat until all the water evaporates and allow the sausage to brown slightly.
Step 6 – Continue to turn the sausages while they are cooking to brown them evenly.
Step 7 – Then remove them from the heat, serve warm and enjoy!
How To Make Italian Sausage on a Grill:
Step 1 – Preheat the grill to 350 degrees F. Place the sausages on the grill.
Step 2 – Close the lid and grill sausages for 15-20 minutes until they have reached an internal temperature for 160 degrees F.
Step 3 – Cook time may vary as it could take up to 30 minutes depending on your grill.
Step 4 – Turn the sausages occasionally to allow them to brown evenly.
How To Make Italian Sausage in the Oven
Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2 – Place the sausages in a lightly greased baking dish or on a foil-lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch.
Step 3 – Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and are browned on the outside.
Why We Simmer Before Browning
Italian sausage is raw ground pork, so it needs to reach 160°F all the way through — unlike smoked sausage, which is already cooked.
Cooking it too fast over high heat browns the outside before the inside is done, which is why we start low and slow with a little water, then finish uncovered to brown.
A heavy skillet, like cast iron, holds heat evenly and gives the best browning once the water cooks off.
Tips for the best Italian Sausage
Cooking sausage may seem a little hard at first. When I am preparing to cook the sausage, it all depends on the recipe I am making. Here are few tips to help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible:
- Buying Italian Sausage – We recommend buying fresh italian sausage as it has more flavor.
- When to cook – When purchasing Italian Sausage, plan on cooking it within 2 days. If not, place in the freezer so that it stays fresher longer.
- Thawing Frozen Sausage – When you are ready to cook your sausage remove from freezer. We recommend thawing Italian Sausage in the refrigerator. Then immediately cook it after it has thawed.
- Pick the Right Sausage – There are many different types of sausage including spicy italian sausage and sweet italian sausage. It will depend on the recipe you are making so make sure you choose the right one.
- Meat thermometer – Purchasing a meat thermometer is a must when cooking any meat.
Do you Pierce the Skin?
It is not necessary to pierce the skin of the italian sausage. To keep the Italian Sausage juicy and full of flavor, we recommend not piercing the skin.
That is the purpose of the sausage casing to keep the juicing intact.
Can I bake Italian Sausage?
Yes, baking Italian Sausage is an easy way to ensure to get the full flavor of the sausage.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Prepare your baking dish by spraying the pan with cooking oil or olive oil.
- Place sausage in the baking dish and make sure they do not touch each other.
- You can add some seasoning if you prefer. We like using some salt and pepper.
- Cover the sausage with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
- To get them brown on the surface, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy by themselves or with a side.
What to serve with Italian Sausage
Italian sausage is hearty enough to be the main event, so keep your sides simple and budget-friendly. Here are our favorite pairings:
- Steamed Broccoli
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- White Rice and Vegetables
How to store leftovers
Italian Sausage leftovers are so good if store properly. Store them in an airtight container or wrap in foil. Italian Sausage will stay good for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, place in the microwave and slowly heat. I usually store in individual containers with rice so it is an easy lunch the next day.
You can also freeze cooked Italian sausage for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Print Recipe here for How to cook Italian Sausage:
How to Cook Italian Sausage
Ingredients
- 5 Italian Sausage Links
- water
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Place 5 Italian sausage links in a large skillet. Add enough water to reach about ½ inch up the sides of the pan.
- Bring the water to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 10–12 minutes until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove the lid and continue cooking on medium-high heat until all the water evaporates.
- Allow the sausages to brown slightly, turning them frequently to brown evenly on all sides.
- Remove from heat, serve warm, and enjoy!
